Come fall, folks in Texas can finally get some real barbecue. You know, pork. Pig.

Memphis-based Corky's has signed a franchise agreement with Squealing Pigs LLC giving them the right to open up to 17 locations in Houston and Dallas and the plan is to open three in Houston this year, starting in September.

“Texans love barbecue, and we are excited to introduce them to the world-famous Memphis style of Corky’s,” said Andria Cain, Corky’s franchisee and partner of Squealing Pigs LLC. They'll offer not just pork, but other Corky's staples such as catfish and barbecued chicken, and add some Texas items to the menu.

Corky’s has been a Memphis institution since it was opened by Don Pelts nearly 35 years ago. Still family-owned and operated by the Pelts and Woodman families, Corky’s has grown from one small restaurant in East Memphis to four full-service restaurants in the local area, two outlets inside Memphis Kroger locations, four franchise locations outside of Memphis — two in Little Rock and one each in Pigeon Forge and Brentwood, Tennessee — plus a large online and QVC presence.

“We know the Houston and Dallas markets are going to go hog-wild for Corky’s barbecue,” said Barry Pelts, co-owner of Corky’s.

Cain and Bruce Gingrich, also a Squealing Pigs partner, are no strangers to the food business. Cain has operated Panera and Applebee’s franchises over her 30-year career, and Gingrich started and grew Lifecheck Pharmacies into the largest single owner pharmacy operation in the country while owning a number of successful pubs.

Corky’s isn’t the only Memphis connection for Cain. Her son has been treated at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for the last 16 years, and the family is a big supporter of St. Jude. They recently hosted a fundraiser in Texas that raised $222,000 for the Memphis-based hospital.